By Dave Branco

Disability legislation

Family seeks leniency for 19-year-old with special needs struggling to access services

Sep 19, 2024 | 11:55 AM

PRINCE GEORGE – A local family is requesting leniency from the law for their 19-year-old child with special needs. They are finding it challenging for their now-adult child to access the services that were available to him when he was younger.

Vanessa Godfrey and her husband placed their son, Harrison, in care when he was eleven but retained guardianship. When Harrison turned nineteen, he transitioned to Community Living BC, and things became difficult for the Godfrey family.

According to Godfrey Harrison became physical at the same facility he attended when he was younger. As a youth, the restraining method can be used to protect oneself and others. However, once a person reaches adulthood, the use of the restraining method is prohibited.

Community Living BC is a provincial organization that cares for adults who cannot care for themselves. It is also obligated to follow legislation, and restraining an adult is against the law as it infringes on a person’s human rights.

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Wanting the best for her child, Vanessa cannot work as she needs to drive Harrison to the therapy that works best for him.

“ He just needs to be picked up and dropped off. That’s all we’re asking for. And we just feel like it’s against his human rights that he is unable to be transported.”

Vanessa Godfrey

Harrison’s Mothers

The Godfrey family is exploring ways to change government legislation, but until that happens, they’re stuck in limbo.

Email: Dave.Branco@pattisonmedia.com

TikTok: @DaveBrancoVJ